Extra Gentle Care for Kids’ Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dental visits just as much as adults do. Routine teeth cleanings and examinations are essential for maintaining their oral health and supporting healthy development. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. This preventive care also ensures their adult teeth grow properly. Our kid-friendly hygienists reach areas that are hard for children to clean with regular brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will carefully examine your child’s overall oral health, checking on baby teeth that are coming in or falling out and monitoring how adult teeth are settling into place. We’ll provide personalized tips and guidance to help you care for your child’s teeth at home.
- Maintain Healthy Teeth: Keeps baby teeth and new adult teeth strong and cavity-free.
- Prevent Gum Disease: Protects overall oral health by reducing the risk of gum issues.
- Track Growth and Development: Monitors milestones and changes as your child grows.
- Build Positive Dental Experiences: Establishes a comfortable and trusting relationship with the dentist.
- Encourage Good Oral Hygiene: Empowers children to take care of their teeth at home.
- Promote Lifelong Habits: Instills healthy dental habits that last a lifetime.
Benefits of Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleanings and Exams:
By prioritizing regular pediatric dental visits, you’re setting the foundation for your child’s long-term oral health and helping them develop a confident, happy smile.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we review your child’s dental history to identify any potential problem areas or patterns. If needed, we may take X-rays or discuss fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth. Our team communicates in a kid-friendly manner to make your child feel at ease, encouraging them to share any concerns or questions they might have about their teeth or oral health.
Gum Health Check
Healthy gums are essential for supporting growing teeth and framing a beautiful smile. Children are just as susceptible to gum disease as adults, especially when their permanent teeth are coming in. We carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth, checking for signs of inflammation or gum disease. We also provide age-appropriate advice on flossing and maintaining good gum health at home.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a sticky film that begins to form on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not regularly removed, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay, particularly around the gumline and between teeth. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Afterward, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s enamel and provide added protection against cavities.
Monitoring Growth and Milestones
Our dentist will review your child’s chart and any new X-rays to monitor their oral development. Children’s teeth go through many stages—from the emergence of baby teeth between 6 months and 6 years old to the gradual loss of these teeth and the appearance of permanent adult teeth through their teenage years (including wisdom teeth). Every child’s dental development is unique, and we closely track their progress to address any concerns or delays early on. By ensuring regular teeth cleanings and check-ups, you’re helping your child develop strong, healthy teeth and good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Cost of Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Orleans
Routine dental check-ups and teeth cleanings for children are crucial for preventing dental issues, and most insurance plans cover them almost entirely every six months. With typical insurance, the cost can range from $0 to $50, depending on your coverage. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $120 and $300 or more, particularly for the first visit or if it has been a while since the last cleaning.
- Current Oral Health: The condition of your child’s teeth and gums can influence the complexity and cost of the cleaning.
- X-Rays: New X-rays may be required to monitor dental development.
- Fluoride Treatment or Sealants: These preventive measures may be recommended for emerging adult teeth.
- Time Required: The duration of the appointment depends on your child’s specific needs.
- Equipment and Supplies: The tools and materials used during the cleaning are factored into the cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Pediatric Teeth Cleaning:
It’s important to note that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. For a personalized estimate or an itemized quote, feel free to contact us directly.
Regular pediatric dental visits are essential for tracking your child’s oral development and preventing potential issues. Investing in routine check-ups and cleanings helps maintain their dental health, avoiding more painful and costly complications in the future.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing your child in for teeth cleaning and a check-up every six months, just like for adults. In some cases, more frequent visits every three months may be recommended based on their oral health needs. It’s best not to wait longer than a year between visits to maintain optimal oral health.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s better to schedule an appointment right away. Addressing potential issues early helps prevent more serious problems down the road.
Children may not always communicate discomfort, but they may show signs such as:
- Frequently touching or holding their face or mouth.
- Reluctance to allow others to examine or touch their mouth.
- Noticeable swelling, redness, or changes in the colour of gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Fever that may occur alongside a toothache.
- Avoidance of foods that are hot, cold, tough, or crunchy.
- Favouring one side of the mouth while chewing.
- Displaying increased irritability or mood swings.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a dental visit to identify and address the cause.
Most pediatric teeth cleaning appointments last between 30 minutes to an hour. However, it may take longer if your child has questions, needs extra reassurance, or is feeling anxious. We take the time to ensure each child feels comfortable and supported throughout their visit.
- Start Early: Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they emerge using child-friendly, age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach Good Habits: Encourage brushing twice a day and educate them about oral hygiene.
- Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride treatments and fluoridated products help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Minimize sugary snacks and acidic drinks like juice and soda, especially before bedtime.
- Be a Role Model: Set a good example by maintaining your own oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing daily.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb into the enamel, maximizing its effectiveness. Routine pediatric dental care helps maintain strong, healthy teeth and encourages good oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
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